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Chelsea FC- Under the radar transfers

We are now well in to the summer transfer window and teams all around Europe look to be making moves for their targets. Teams are throwing large sums of money around for the big players that they want in their squads. Chelsea are no different, with rumors of bids in excess of 60million for the likes of Alex Sandro and Romelu Lukaku. Saying this, I believe that there are some other options that the blues could look into to improve their squad without breaking the bank.

Id like to first mention that I’m not expecting Chelsea to pull off any of these deals but they have all been linked with Chelsea in the past and I believe they could all make the difference at Stamford Bridge. Also I’m sure everyone is getting bored of the same old rumors so I thought id spice it up a bit.

Ross Barkley

Now we’re starting off with a big one, the England international is apparently unsettled at Goodison Park and that leaves the door wide open for teams to swoop in and sign the 23 year old. Barkley scored 6 and set up a further 8 goals in all competitions last year. By no means are these stats terrible but fans know that he has a lot more to offer, and, in the right team and system he may be able to grab 10+ goals and assists a season. Tottenham seem to be favorite’s to sign Barkley but I cant see why Chelsea wouldn’t want to sign the youngster. He could make a good replacement for Fabregas and his direct playing style gives the blues a different threat going forward. The only real stumbling block with this transfer would be his price tag. Chelsea would be expected to pay out up to 50million for the player. So maybe not a cheap option after all.

Andrea Conti

Andrea Conti is looking like his move to AC Milan is nearly complete. Saying this, Chelsea do have a habit of hijacking moves at the last minute *cough Willian *cough. The versatile Italian can play anywhere down the right hand side of the pitch but is most commonly played in the right back role. A perfect fit for Antonio Conte, the marauding full back has an eye for goal after scoring 8 goals in 31 games last year. He has a few small flaws to his game but he would surely be an improvement on Victor Moses. He would fit the right wing back role in Contes system and he would be a cheaper alternative to another Chelsea target, Madrids Danilo. His offensive stats are impressive, having assisted 5 goals in the Serie A last season but he is also a big contributor defensively after making 2 assists a game and making a further 2.3 interceptions. I cannot see why the Blues wouldn’t be after the 23 year old.

Federico Bernadeschi

Another player who looks like hes out the door, this time, linked with Juventus, Bernadeschi is a versatile attacking threat who would certainly fit in to the Chelsea side. The 23 year old Italian winger would cost around £30million but after scoring 16 goals last year it looks as though that price tag would be warranted. Chelsea are quite thin at depth at the winger department and with Hazard currently being out injured it looks as though this would be a good fit. Bernadeschi is hailed for his forward play, after completing 1.8 through balls a game, showing that he could be supplying chances to players like Lukaku/ Costa next year. Certainly a frightening acquisition. Also at just 23 it shows that he could iron out some of the flaws in his game and become a real threat. Seeing as Fiorentina fans refer to him as the next Roberto Baggio there must be something exciting about him.

Adama Traore

Certainly a player who wouldn’t get into the starting line up every week, Traore is definitely an option off the bench. Traore has been relegated from the Premier League in the last two seasons but his quality is there to see. The 21 year old Spaniard would be a cheap option to a star winger and under Conte I can see Traore improving into a world quality winger. Strength and pace are certainly his main assets but questions have been asked about his final product. After only recording 1 assist and not getting on the score sheet last season he left Middlesrough disappointed. Traore is not a signing that would get the Chelsea fans hearts racing but his style of play certainly would. The player averages 5 dribbles a game and his attacking play will leave defenders on edge and would take away opposition players from the likes of Hazard and Costa. As I say, Traore may not be a stellar signing but he would certainly add another sting to Contes already big bow.

Aleksandr Golovin

A player who appears to have been around for years, The 21 year old CSKA Moscow star would be a good fit for the blues. Although he has predominantly been linked with a move to Arsenal, I believe the Russian international would be a good squad player for Chelsea. Like Traore, I cant see Golovin getting in to the starting line up straight away but he has a lot of potential and his defensive and attacking play is good enough to make the difference when games are tight. The youngster averages 2.9 tackles a game, which is only slightly less than Ngolo Kante. He also has a pass accuracy of 80% which shows his link up play is also strong. This deal would make sense as he is an Antonio Conte style player and for under £20million you cant really go wrong…. well at least don’t ask Man United fans about Bebe.

So that’s my list of the 5 players I think Chelsea should go out and sign who aren’t the boring big names we usually hear about. But who do you think Chelsea should sign? Leave a comment below or respond to me on twitter.